Happy 40th birthday, Mr Richard Armitage

August 22, 2011

I wasn’t going to mention it, but what the heck! Mr Richard Armitage is 40 today – which makes me feel a tiny bit better and what a wonderful excuse to post delicious Richard pictures, new and old.

I have a huge amount to thank RA for. It was his portrayal of John Thornton in North & South that inspired me to start writing romantic fiction in late 2004.

You all know the story by now – but I still can’t believe that one television drama would have such a powerful effect on me, that it literally changed my whole life overnight.

So, thank you Richard, for introducing me to writing and to so many RA fans and friends all over the world. Thank you for being my muse for two books including Fever Cure. Thanks too, for all the excitement, fun and pleasure I’ve enjoyed as a result of being part of your fandom and as a novelist.

May you have many more happy birthdays and inspiring roles. 🙂

Comments

1. On August 22nd, 2011 at 7:08 am
   Maria Grazia Says:
   

   Maybe I haven’t become a successful published writer like you, but I can proudly quote you from this post to describe my own experience:
   “I still can’t believe that one television drama would have such a powerful effect on me, that it literally changed my whole life overnight”
   Thanks, Phillipa, for sharing! And Happy 40th Birthday to Richard Armitage!

2. On August 22nd, 2011 at 7:10 am
   bccmee Says:
   

   And I’ve enjoyed your books, Phillipa! Richard Armitage has a positive ripple effect.

3. On August 22nd, 2011 at 7:18 am
   Phillipa Says:
   

   It’s been great to ‘meet’ you both, Maria and bccmee. How lucky for us that RA’s appearance in N&S coincided with the birth of messageboards and social networking. 🙂

4. On August 22nd, 2011 at 12:01 pm
   Debs Carr Says:
   

   Well I’m glad you did mention it 😉

   Happy birthday to him and thanks for the flabby pictures.

5. On August 22nd, 2011 at 1:13 pm
   Maggie Says:
   

   I agree with bccmee and you Phillipa – Richard Armitage definitely has a beneficial effect, in so many ways, lol. Well done to you and Happy Birthday to him. xx

6. On August 22nd, 2011 at 2:35 pm
   Hilary Says:
   

   Lovely, timely post, full of sentiments to which *ahem* my bosom returns an echo 🙂

7. On August 22nd, 2011 at 5:15 pm
   Servetus Says:
   

   What a nice post. He’s had a parallel effect on my life. I hope he had a wonderful birthday.

8. On August 22nd, 2011 at 6:35 pm
   Pookystew Says:
   

   What a loving tribute Phillippa! I’m so happy to know you and so many lovely ladies through our mutual affection for a certain leading man, a great BBC productio, and the emergence of social networking amongst the swooning female set. It’s a trifecta that has changed my life completely as well. Who’da thunk it?!?

   Happy Birthday Mr. Armitage! And thank you for bringing such lovely people in your wake!

9. On August 23rd, 2011 at 2:59 am
   Rosy Thornton Says:
   

   What a lovely post, Phillipa – with which I heartfeltly concur!

10. On August 23rd, 2011 at 3:13 am
    Phillipa Says:
    

    Hello everyone (waves) Thanks for dropping by to celebrate RA’s big 4-0 – lovely friends I know in RL and cyberspace now. 🙂

11. On August 23rd, 2011 at 9:20 am
    pfulcinell Says:
    

    well said, Phillipa! So many of us share the same experience and sentiments.

12. On August 28th, 2011 at 2:03 pm
    phylly3 Says:
    

    I am late to the party here, but just wanted to say thank you for saying what so many of us feel!
    Mr. Armitage has been such a muse for so many of us, it is so remarkable that it bears much repeating!
    I hope he continues to inspire you to more writing, because you are a very talented author! 🙂